It’s just another chapter in a historical book of upsets. Nico Schlotterbeck misjudged the forward after receiving a lumped ball into the net.
Asano clung to the entire back. It looks like he almost overruns it, but he smashes it high above Neuer.
The Blue Samurais were down 1-0 against the Germany side in their group-stage match at the FIFA World Cup 2022. However, substitutes completely changed the game, as Japan returned to win 2-1. The first substitute, Ritsu Doan, made an immediate impact, setting up the equalising goal with a perfect cross. The second substitute, Asano, then scored the winning goal with a clinical finish, sending the Blue Samurais into the ideal position for the competition’s knockout stages.
The come-from-behind victory was a huge shock, as Germany is a four-time world champion. It was a deserved win for Japan, who showed great character and determination to come back and win the game. For the second consecutive time, the four-time world cup winner is on the verge of being eliminated in the knockout stage. Hansi Flick’s side must win their next two matches against Spain and Costa Rica.
In the stunning comeback of Samurai Blue, substitutes shine FIFA World Cup 2022
The impact of Hajime Moriyasu’s substitute players was incredible. It worked in the game when he brought on Doan, Min, Asano, and Tomiyasu. Japan knew they had to make their substitutions count as the game entered its final minutes. With the score close, every player on the bench had the potential to make a difference.
And so it was that Japan’s substitutes shone in the game’s closing minutes. With fresh legs and minds, they could push their team to a narrow victory. It was a victory that would not have been possible without the contribution of those players who came off the bench. In the end, they were the difference-makers.
Shuichi Gonda: The Samurai Wall FIFA World Cup 2022
Japan won thanks to Shuichi Gonda’s big saves in the second half after his first-half mistake led to a penalty. A diving save by Gonda late in the game preserved the victory after he made a big save early in the second half. As a result of his performance, Japan was relieved. It was impressive how they capitalized on Germany’s defensive errors and pressed so hard early on and toward the end of the match. Japan put unrelenting pressure on Germany, which ultimately resulted in their defeat. It was a humiliating loss for the German team, one they will no doubt want to forget in a hurry.
1st Half Scenario: Germany Dominate as Gundogan Scores
The German team is in complete control as they take the lead on a penalty goal from Gundogan. The opposition is struggling to keep up with the pace and quality of the Germans, and they are already looking like they could be in for a long night. There is no end to how relentlessly the Germans pursue more goals. A 1-0 score was the outcome of the first half, as Japan’s defense could not keep up with the European giants in this group stage match of FIFA World Cup 2022.
Second Half: Defensive Breakdown from the “Mannschaft’s”
Till the 70th minute of the match, it was a tale of two very different teams. Germany, the better team on the day, was the more aggressive and threatening side. They had the majority of the possessions and chances Ilkay Gündogan took the penalty and smoothly placed it into the net, giving Germany a comfortable 1-0 lead. It was a bitterly disappointing evening for the attacking quartet of Serge Gnabry, Jamal Musiala, Jonas Hofmann, and Gundogan, as their lack of ruthlessness in front of Japan’s defense saw them fail to overcome the opposition.
What’s Wrong With Hansi Flicks` Tactics in FIFA World Cup 2022?
Germany’s poor performance against Japan was due to their lack of a proper number nine, and their weaknesses at the back were quickly expose in the first group stage match of FIFA World Cup 2022. Hansi Flick still needs to get the German national defense unit back on track, so he’s moved on to another position. A new coach is in town, bringing a unique style of play. So far, he’s used 12 different defensive units in 17 games. Over the past four games, four other players have played the right-back position. The team’s situation is not getting any better because of this instability.
Muller’s Reaction: Disappointed and Shocked
After a heartbreaking and shocking loss against Japan, Thomas Mullers admitted he was in total shock. But he believes that the Germans were the dominant side throughout the match, and a performance like that wins games for any team. But he was also disappointed with the missed chances and admitted they received an unwanted goal from the silly defense. He also stated that their future matches will be difficult if they continue to make such errors. Because they have to perform well and recover from their shortcomings in the Spain match.
Will History repeat in FIFA World Cup 2022?
With Japan losing the first game, the German team’s pressure is enormous ahead of their second game. Germany must win their match. If it is not, they will be out of the world cup group stages for the second year in a row. This German side’s problems are as expected and familiar as before. But also they have got some positive things from this match like first half performance, team mentality, passing and controlling the midfield.
But in conclusion, we can say Germany needs to overcome their weak points in the game. Also they need to be very careful about their defence line. But, undoubtedly, the remaining days of the Qatar World Cup will be challenging for Hansi Flicks’ side.
